The guys over at Leg Work were nice enough to invite us over and show us what it takes to pull off the amazing design work they bust out. Check out their work here: LEGWORK

Creative Industries Internship implemented both arts and technology in a collaborative space to design a video game concept. Incorporating collaboration both as a team of creators and for potential players within the community. Through problems solving and creative thinking, as a team discussed and presented the ideas through the practice of public speaking, to be apart of a project that inspired cultural change and pursuing creative careers.

-Minah, Sarah, and Adrian

Resume Entry:
Claudia
Shemsu
Sofia
We participated in the 2015 Creative Industries Internship in partnership with Oh Heck Yeah and Goodwill. Here we established relationships with professionals in various industries. We were commissioned by Oh Heck Yeah to design a game that could potentially connect people within the community. This process required us to formulate ideas and work collaboratively with each other through the use of different mediums. This experience grated us personal growth, immersion in the arts industry, and the chance to give the community an entertaining social interaction.

During our CVA internship we have collaborated with a variety of different artists, media, and subprofessionals, in the art industry. Through ideation, we have engineered original video game concepts with Oh Heck Yeah! founder Brian Corrigan and Mode Set developer Justin Gitlin. We began the process by collaborating in small groups and launching prototypes; we also enhanced our public speaking skills by working on our elevator speeches, as well as developing formal writing by posting blogs. Our networking skills were further polished with a networking game.
Sophia
Adonis
Zef

Day two of the internship, we spent the morning talking about networking and how it is essential for creative careers. I never quite understood how large of a role networking played in the types of careers I’ve thought of perusing. After discussing networking, I had a clearer idea of something I need to start thinking about and practicing as I continue on the path of perusing a creative career.  On the first day I was very nice but also excited to know everyone, during lunch on the second day I became more open to talk to everyone and we interacted as a group, by playing games and engaging in conversation. I was very excited to finally learn about Oh Heck Yeah from creator Brian Corrigan, who let us play games made by his company like “Catchy” and “Tinker Bots.” Brian explained to us the concept of Oh Heck Yeah coming to the streets, he wanted the community to come together and break the barriers that we have. As a community we put up guards when interacting with new people and therefore we become further and further divided and will have less empathy for each other. Brain’s idea is for the community to engage using video games, to bring those guards down and interact to create relationships. I was very inspired by Brain and am looking forward to our own process in designing game concepts, which promote collaboration and interaction.

-Sarah

The ominous gray skies and foggy morning blanketed the brightly colored CVA building. Sofia and I walked out into the fog and awaited for the day ahead of us. After greeting everyone in the morning, we sat into groups and worked on our morning sketches as per usual. The room fluctuated from chatter to silence. Suddenly Talya announced our activities for the day and announced our groups and game projects. Excited chatter erupted once again and we got up to fill in our seats at our new groups.
After situating ourselves into our groups, we brainstormed ideas to create a simple awesome game that connects people through play within the community. The groups’ different ideas swirled around the room and the creativity was endless. From land to outer space the four groups were able to brainstorm four separate ideas.
Once lunch arrived, we ate together and decided to go out on an adventure down Santa Fe to look at the galleries. We explored these tasteful galleries and saw the creativity bleeding through the walls. One notable gallery had a lovely little side patio with a relaxing fountain. We checked the time and realized we were nearly late and rushed back to the CVA. That was when Akil decided to teach us Ninja for the third time and this time we all understood what to do. After a few rounds the adults even joined in and we battled it out. It wasn’t until the last round when Ninja Warrior Akil was defeated.
We resumed back to our groups and continued brainstorming ideas for our games and creating concepts. My group in particular struggled to come up with a firm and simple concept for our game but in the end we pulled through and we finally have a sense of the concept that we are leaning towards. The “What if. . . ” activity that Brandon pulled together really allowed us to target our weaknesses and open our eyes to possibilities that we had not even come up with yet.  This activity concluded our long day of coming up with ideas and it is safe to say that this group of people have such unique ideas and I am excited to see the final products of all of our games.

-Minah

Yesterday’s plans slipped by my head, i forgot that my class and I were going to visit a company called Mode Set. We all learned the benefits of programming/coding. Coding is basically like a way of programming, we all heard that “Its never to late to start code.”. To be honest I was pretty amazed of how and what one can do with code, we all got to see a 3D model of a realistic skull. This was a quick demo or representation of what programming does. I can’t wait until our next field trip.

-Adrian

Aaand we’re back!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! I spent the better part of my four day weekend painting snails and setting off fireworks in the street.

Once the weekend came to a close, Colorado greeted the following Monday with a misty morning that lasted throughout the day. It seems this weather will actually continue along the week, to which my summer wardrobe says: Bring It On. The weather, although grey and quiet, did not hinder the energy of the interns as we trekked downtown to the Mode Set studio. There, we would meet Justin Gitlin, who is one of the lead developers for the Oh Heck Yeah! games. Not only is he a phenomenal programmer, but also an extraordinary musician, and friend as well.

What I found interesting during this discussion was Justin’s confession of failing his first Computer Science classes. He claims that this is due to being a slow learner, and out of most people of the team, he thinks he might be one of the slowest. However, it is obvious that this does not discourage his motivation, because he can still rely on his “niche,” or personal strengths, to pull him through various projects and innovations.

Justin particularly excels at merging art with technology, allowing him to create digital codes that cross over to physical interactions. For example, one of his latest projects consists of four pillars, all of which light up individually, in different colors, depending on how close a person is standing next to it. Should four people be standing next to these devices at the same time, they are then allowed to move their bodies in different ways to produce different chords of sound. Four people are not necessary to do this; even one person can create a small symphony, but the more people there are, the greater the range for interaction is created, both for the players and the notes.

With this in mind, Justin is one of many speakers presented to the interns that prove any person, no matter the skill set, can weave their way into the art industry. Sitting at a computer does not always equal office work, just like painting, drawing, or photography does not always have to mean establishing a solo career. In some cases, you don’t even have to make art to like it, so long as your heart is in the right place. As Justin said, “You just have to find your niche.”

Explore your possibilities, even if you feel like you have none. It’s 2015, and the world is entering an age that refuses to abandon technology and opportunity, so go on and Google something, anything, that interests you. Find what excites you. Find something you love to do. It’s okay if it takes a while, and it’s absolutely okay to ask for help more than once. It will never be too late to do something that makes happy, and when you do, please share it with the world that didn’t even know it was waiting for you.

Until next time!

-Zef

Zef is back! And is also one long board and nose piercing heavier due to the influence of last year’s interns!

I sped in the nick of time to meet the new interns before the 10AM mark; this was the first time I had ever driven myself to the CVA, as opposed to riding the lightrail. Although the room was quiet, you could cut the creative energy with a knife! Each individual was humid with ideas that cultivated fantastic first impressions. This made engagement with one anther througout the day effortless.

However, real connections emerged once we played Nache Green’s “Lava Game” where a team is pitted against an invisible pool of lava with only seven plastic lily pads, and each other, to invest their salvation. Despite taking three tries, it was our intern Akil who initiated group success as he used his wide physical range to distribute lily pads for the rest of the team to chain themselves across.

I unfortunately had to take an early leave on this day of new beginnings, but only got more excited to return the next day! Although I am taking this internship for the second time, the interns are absolutely refreshing. I am already having high hopes, not only for the individual potential of my peers, but the goals we can achieve as a team.

Until next time!

-Zef 

Yesterday was the first day of the summer internship program and it was amazing. Meeting new people and discovering the purpose of the program. To top it off there were some co-op activities as a class or a group of rookie interns. We all started at a rough start during both games/activities,  like taking actions before thinking and/or not discussing a type of plan. It took many attempts until we noticed something was wrong. So together as a group we managed to succeed in both team building skills. There was still one problem we had to remember our group members names. In the end we all played in a small memory game to remember each others name. To be honest yesterday was a day to get know each other and how help each other out, and it was worth it.

Hi I’m Shemsu and my first  impression of the program was that everyone was really cool and share the same interest as me. Everything  gives off a fun and happy vibe. The highlight of the day was this roll playing thing that we did as  our future self. That really got me thinking about my future. lately a challenge that i had was finding Grover during the team building game that we played. Over all it was really fun.        

Hi, My name is Honor, and I’m excited to take part in this 12 day internship. Right at the start of the day, I was impressed with my peers’ interest in OhHeckYeah!’s mission. One of the most engaging moments of the program yesterday was the group role-play exercise to get to know my colleagues, as well as to make future plans. Learning my peers’ ambitions was quite inspiring. The most challenging part of yesterday was the creation of my name stencil because I have limited experience with the tools necessary in stencil construction. Even though it was challenging, I think it turned out alright. The first day of the program was engaging, and I am excited for the rest of this internship

-Honor M.

Before I came into the program I had an expectation as to how the people might be and how they will be way different than me. I was impressed at how I had the courage to get out there and try to be more social with those who can be completely different from me. Don’t be afraid to be different and stand out. Yesterdays highlight was that we spent most of the day trying to get to know each other and learn each other names.  We played  games, such as: Lava, where’s Grover, step forward if.., and who’s behind the curtain. Had a blast! Something challenging that I experienced was trying to get out there and not be afraid or ashamed to show who I am and what it is that I am thinking. I learned that by keeping an open mind there will be no way to embarrass yourself.

-Eli G

Minah W
The first day began with walking through the transparent doors and walking into a well air-conditioned room. The gallery was decorated with tasteful art pieces and the atmosphere buzzed with good vibes. After entering the classroom tucked in the back, friendly foreign faces greeted me.  Sketchbooks were laid out on a black top table and the early arrivals were working intensively on prepping their stencils to spray paint the back of their sketchbooks. Before making our way outside, we built on the idea that creativity is something that we build upon ad should persevere to do rather than beat ourselves up when we do no reach our goals. This idea resonated with myself and many other artists in the room and we took this to heart as we continued to build upon our creative sides. After this inspirational video, we worked on team-building activities such as networking and relying on other team members and not just ourselves. After a few failed attempts at crossing the hot lava, Akil demonstrated significant teamwork by promoting an idea that was never thought of before. He further demonstrated this by spreading his body out with the tiles and ushering us to cross behind him. This tactic worked and reinforced the idea that there really is no “I” in team.  After this first day, I left the building with more energy than when I entered and excited for more challenges and opportunities to connect with the artistic individuals in this internship.

Adonis
My first impression of the program is that the vibe was energetic.
My highlight the first day was the name game because it was fun interacting with the group.
The first day I learned about networking and how it is a web. I am excited for the program!

     The Creative Industries Internship flew by as though it were only a few short clips in a film reel. Looking back, I can’t help but hit the pause button on some of the most memorable moments. One of these moments was the first shift as docents. This was great because you could witness first hand the interns coming out of their shells and interacting with the public. This first shift with Oh Heck Yeah was the most exciting and eye opening experineces. Although it started off rough, and interns were a bit shy, by the end of the night everybody had a smile on their face and was no longer uncomfortable discussing with the public the games or Oh Heck Yeah and their mission. They were putting themselves in a vulnerable position, handled refusal like professionals, and were not offended by passerbys who showed a lack of interest. Instead, they kept their heads high and continued to do their jobs, well.
Although everyday was unique and wonderful in its own way, I must say my favorite day was the last day. It wasn’t my favorite day because the program was ending, or because the day ended with ice cream cake, but instead because it was one in particular that I could truly see how close the interns had become. Many interns were trading contact information and making future plans to get together over the summer. They were also expressing gratitude towards one another and the sorrow for a steadily nearing end of their breif time together. This was also the day that each group presented their finished installations to the other inters. It was great to see their hard work pay off, and was apparent that they were enthusiastic and proud of their accomplishments.

It makes me really sad how we’ve completed the duration of our internship and our overall time together. goodbye never really means forever, but if for some reason this internship was the one and only time I will have ever crossed paths with every one of those individuals, I’m blessed it happened. I hate to sound cliche, but this internship has really helped me understand what it is I want to do for the rest of my life. I got useful advice about how to approach upcoming events in my life such as attending college. despite having gone to a college prep school for the past 6 years, hearing what people had to say about it really took its toll on me. I do plan on returning to CVA regularly just to be in a place where I can talk to amazing people while also making some amazing art. I’ve grown so much as an artist. I not only overcame a very tough artist block, I developed new skills, and a fresh outlook on art as a whole. I’ve expanded my horizons and I treasure everything I was able to experience. I met a handful of amazing individuals who have inspired me to do what I love, which had always been something I was told not to do for whatever reason (financial reasons mostly). I’m going to make art forever, it’s been decided.

With love,

Monica Narona

Today is the final day of the internship and our one day to install. I hope we get all that we need to finished.

We visited Legwork Design Studio this morning. Aaron gave us a tour and sat down with us to discuss past and present work. It was very interesting to see some of the animations his company had been working on. It was also cool to hear about and see the process of how they start, improve, and execute projects. We also got to see and hold some of the original set pieces for the movie Paranorman. I love that flick.

We ended today with a water fight. Nache took us outside to do a networking activity, and before we could realize what was happening, the instructors bombarded us with water balloons. Sneaky sneaky.

I drew the panelists we had come in today to talk to us. Talk about some crazy accomplished individuals. They do pretty amazing things in the Denver art scene, from nonprofit art initiatives to the Denver Theater District. Thanks for sharing your journeys with us.

-Bella

Not even half way done with this project but I’m pretty sure that it will come out awesome , something no one has seen before.

So far, this Internship experience has been amazing. Everyone here is imaginative,creative, and crazy talented. Despite the fact that we’ve only been here for a short period, the connections made with people here feel deep and honest. The skills we are learning are interesting and beyond helpful. Those who guide us are incredibly understanding and I am internally grateful for their guidance . It really is such a shame that we only have one more week.

There’s a lot about the experience I’ve had that makes me extremely happy. it’s only really been a few days and I’m already deeply saddened that it’s all almost over. What I have to say about it all is far from simple, I mean I could write forever and I intend on doing so. Through this internship I’ve learned that I don’t have to spend the rest of my life inside a cubicle (I really hate that word). I’ve gotten a chance to look at art differently and that’s the weird part because as much as art has been a part of my life, I haven’t ever experienced it this way until now, and for that I’m grateful. I find myself really noticing the little things as well as the big ones. Art is all around me and that’s amazing. It’s a way of life for many including myself. It’s passionate and it’s personal and it’s just as selfish as it is selfless.

In participating in OhHeckYeah, I’ve improved my social skills greatly. I’m so much more comfortable with reaching out to others and really spreading the news. It feels incredible getting people to stop for a second and enjoy the little intricacies before them that they wouldn’t otherwise do. It brings smiles to people’s faces, and I don’t mind the eyes that fall on me when I’m dancing in the middle of the street. It’s a kind of freedom that I’m so glad to have discovered. I mean, it’s easy to dread over it, you know? My feet are tired. I’m hungry. I need something to drink. People just aren’t my thing. I first went into it afraid to talk to people walking by. I used to spot them from afar and think, “ok ok ok ok this one’s the one, I will approach them, I’m going to do it” but I’d end up watching them pass me by. I eventually got used to it and now I talk to as many people as possible and I do my best to draw attention to myself and the event, and it’s worked out well for me.

Strangers aren’t all that scary.

I’m becoming a better person in attempting to better the community through OhHeckYeah and its mission. I make this experience my own and it’s going really well so far.

– Monica Narona

Only in Rado!… is there a glass exhibit at the Botanical Gardens. Yesterday we took a trip to the Botanical Gardens to see the Chihuly glass exhibit. One of the artists gave us a tour on some of the art pieces. It was a great opportunity to be able to experience art at the fullest. Not only did we get to see this exhibit, but afterwards we went to OhHeckYeah and got to eat free pizza. OhHeckYeah was slower than usual but it was still a fun time.

At OhHeckYeah, while waiting to play Big Blue, a man told me about his 24 in hair that he had styled earlier in the day. There was also a man on stilts on the corner all night. It was definately more of an interesting week than the previous one.

Only in Rado!
-Anna and Hannah

…jump into the water at the Botanic Gardens. Seriously it was baking out there and I didn’t even get to go to the gift shop. It was the first time I’ve been to the Botanic Gardens and it was magical. Chihuly seems like a cool guy from the type of art he makes. It’s really funky and strange but makes you feel good inside. The picture above is one of my favorite instillations because it was kind of like a flowery oinion….yeah that’s how I would describe it. Anyway I had tons on tons of fun despite the heat and the inability to go swimming in my birthday suit. I’ll try and visit again sometime. CVA 2014!

Love JH

DJ Cavem at Oh Heck Yeah! Was a dope experience hearing fresh 90s beats with a positive message was inspiring!

So I’m obviously no graphic design major but I made an advertisement thingy for OhHeckYeah. It’s the right size for Instagram and has a little bit of information but enough for you to put in your own information about OhHeckYeah in the caption. Tweet it, Facebook it, Instagram it, I don’t care, as long as you hashtag #OhHeckYeah!

~Sade

It was nerve racking to pitch our ideas to the panel this afternoon, but I must say that they were very easy going and had great ideas towards what improvements could be made. I’m glad I got to experience a new side of the creative process.

Last week was my first week at my internship. I have done this program last summer and loved it!! My favorite part about this program is the career panel. On Friday I get to meet some inspirasional people that took their time out of their busy schedule to talked to us, regarding what they do in the art industry. While listening to the panel I did a little drawing of the panels clothing and their heads, I did light bulbs as symbols. When you are trying to find an idea and can’t find it then that moment, something passed you by or someone tell you something that turns on your creativity that is your light bulb. I just wanted to say thank you for all the people that came to be our panel speaker. You have inspired me more because of your stories. Worked hard and never give up.

Thank you 🙂

Kellehanna

I have had a surreal week learning about, from and with the 2014 Interns.  This is a group of individuals whose strength, beauty and resolve will change the landscape of the Denver arts scene.  Honored to work with you! -Talya

So we grow up in Kindergarten and learn about your 5 senses, right? I probably learned a song (or two) about how touch is like when you pet your neighbour’s dog (since I don’t own one) and how sound is like your sister’s screeching in the shower (or your own).

Pretty normal stuff, right? We all (should) know that your five senses are Sound, Sight, Touch, Smell, and Taste. Just a reminder if you didn’t, or you had forgotten, I know; it was a long time ago. We were tasked with taking photos that represent each sense- but in a unique way. No hamburgers for taste or dog poo for smell (which was on 14th street..).

I don’t know how unique mine are, but I thought they were pretty snazzy. I might just be tooting my own horn, though. I’ll let you be the judge of that.

xoxo
~ria kim

There’s something magical about silence in a city.

We’re consumed by a forward facing, ambitious humans, and we all strive to be the best, make the most money, have the most fun, and it’s overwhelming. The stereotypes that come along with being Asian are just as consuming, and I have to be the best at whatever I decide to do- first it was piano, then school, then art, and tennis. Second place? No better than last. Keep pushing, grinding, because it’s MIT or McDonald’s.

The hustle and bustle of city make it easy to forget and just keep going, but by challenging our troubles and confronting them, we can at least chip away at whatever happens to also be gnawing at us. I feel more introverted and awkward, and by finding a sanctuary to sit and evaluate, I can piece together my thoughts and evaluate my situation. Perhaps I’ll cry and resort to drawing my girls, or I’ll relax and ponder the curious events of the day. It’s a time where I can be endlessly selfish, and reflect upon life.

I’m the type to bottle up my feelings in fear of burdening anybody else with my emotional turmoil, and silence allows me to tug away at the cork that shields me from the outside world. The still of the hidden pool of water is therapeutic, despite its grungy location. As the water acts as a mirror to its surroundings, we reflect upon ourselves and our company as we ponder the world in silence.

Light is the essence of sight.

No human can see in pure darkness- for as Einstein has stated- “What is darkness but the absence of light?”

The cones and rods in our eyes are receptors of light.

Color is the reflection of light.

Light illuminates our path on the wandering roads through the night.

Enlightenment is a part of vision- it is the inspiration for our dreams and aspirations. Light illuminates our future path, as experience sheds light upon our history.

Our accomplishments are highlighted, and foresight is nothing but the twinkle of a beckoning star, leading the way through the skies.

For we search for a greater power, a force that perhaps stated the first words of our existence:

“Let there be light.”

“Touch me!”
screamed the heavy metal industrial locks.We lock away our humanity in fear of feeling vulnerable- the only fear I have is the fear of being afraid.

In exchange for a semblance of security, emotions are locked away, for a lack of control is disgraceful in the least. Composure is maintained, and a smile and wave with proper posture is not only appreciated, but expected.

We’re told to find ourselves in high school, when many people do not find their own selves until their middle ages.

A conflicting time between youth and maturity.

Doubt and frustration are rampant.

It seems that all I can do is rely on a confidant, in the form of a best friend. A person so special that not everybody is fortunate enough to have. A beam of support that will never give.

The distinctive smell of a cigarette, lingering, only to be swept away by the breeze rushing through Denver.

The light scent of a cigarette, is reminiscent of my childhood with family on the east coast. Of the aunt and uncle.

The musky aroma of their clothing that fills my lungs when I tightly embrace them, the smiles and jokes, the flashing peace signs in the family photo.

The persisting reminders that smoking is the number one cause of deaths in the United States.

A hope that family doesn’t become a statistic.

What is more nourishing than water?

Aristotle believed it to be one of the elements that comprised the world, and that without it, nothing else can exist.

Water is one of the things that we most take for granted in Colorado. This semi-arid state should earnestly try to conserve what we have, yet our very lawns crave more water than we can adequately supply.

The politicking involved in water rights is suffocating, selfishly allocating more resources for their own advancement instead of fairly distributing according to demonstrated need.

Our reliance on such a magical substance, a clear, odorless liquid that we cannot go two days without, is astonishing. It surrounds us but is scarce. It rushes through our taps and floods down from the skies.

Women are forced to walk for hours to retrieve it.

The discrepancy between our worlds is defined by water.

This is Blue Bear. Only in Rado! Blue Bear was the inspiration for Big Blue the video game that was played on 14th & Champa. In this video game, Blue Bear travels from the mountains into Denver through different Denver neighborhoods until he arrives at the convention center. Along with this video game, there’s Catchy and Tinker Bot. All three games are controlled by your body. Tinker Bot is a game with four machines that must be lined up on a dashed line to get lasers to meet. Catchy involves moving side to side to catch all the good things (coins, candy, apples) and avoid the bad things (swords, dirty socks, bombs). At the ending of each game, people came out smiling and satisfied by the free experience they had just encountered.

On a funnier note, for the Big Blue game, a nonlocal assumed that everyone in Colorado smokes so someone must have been high to invent that specific game. However, nobody was smoking when making any of the games.

Only in Rado!
-Anna and Hannah